Genya Hirose Cycler XS02 is a free rhythmic Synthesizer app for iPadOS and macOS (native Apple Silicon).
I often get asked if there are any free synthesizer apps for iOS. Unfortunately, they are. Since developers have to go through the App Store and pay fees there, it’s more difficult to distribute free apps than free plugins.
But there are some, and there is a new one.
Genya Hirose Cycler XS02
Cycler XS02 is a new rhythmic Synthesizer for iPadOS and macOS. Unfortunately, Genya Hirose has released only a standalone version of the Cycler XS02 app, but not as an AUv3 plugin.
At its core is a single multi-wave oscillator with control over the waveform, octave, color, detune, and pitch. The color knob offers various one-knob oscillator shapers, including FM, sync, and more.
Then, you can shape the sound with a dedicated multi-type waveshaper and a lowpass filter with cutoff and resonance controls. The sounds can be refined with built-in phaser, flanger, and delay effects.
Modulation is pretty intense. There is a hold-decay envelope that acts as an amp envelope. Each sound block (OSC, filter, effects…) has its own modulator, which can be a syncable multi-wave LFO, an envelope, or a random generator, with a dedicated cover knob.
The synthesizer’s motor is a gate sequencer that can be programmed with various buttons. You can create a rhythmic groove with just a few clicks. However, pitch sequences are not available. However, pitch changes can be achieved by modulating the pitch knob.
Further, Genya Hirose included a patch randomizer that lets you generate new results instantly.
First Impression
A fun, free Synthesizer for iPadOS and macOS. It’s a shame there’s no AUv3 plugin version.
Genya Hirose Cycler XS02 is available now as a free download from the Apple App Store. It runs as a standalone app.
More information here: Genya Hirose (App Store)
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